After a handful of Spring Training games against the NL West’s Giants and Padres, the Mariners have an even record of 2-2 heading into Monday afternoon’s games against the White Sox and Brewers. Regardless of the overall record, there are a few minor stories blooming in the desert that will concern M’s fans.
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One of the biggest surprises and question marks this team will face is the chemistry of infield. The acquisition of Chone Figgins is arguably one of the best free-agent signings highlighting this offseason, most notably for his above-average defense and his remarkable speed on the base paths. After spending many years in Anaheim at third base, and the eventual departure of Adrian Beltre, Figgins was a perfect fit for the M’s at third heading into spring training.
Low and behold, once infield drills began Figgins was spotted up the middle at second base instead of manning the corner at third. Second baseman, and former All-Star, Jose Lopez was the man at third instead, and he appeared rather uncomfortable as a result.
After more drills and exercises at third base, Lopez is slowly gaining confidence at his potential new position, and ESPN.com is reporting that Lopez has looked rather impressive defensively during preseason games. What’s more impressive is the impact Lopez has had at the plate this spring. So far, Lopez is only 2-6, but has a slugging pct. of .500 and OPS of .833 in his first two games.
On the injury front, closer David Aardsma strained his groin throwing his final pitch of Thursday’s game against the Padres. The following morning, Aardsma was reassured after performing a series of tests that resulted positively for the reliever, providing that the injury was merely just tightness and muscle exhaustion and that no serious damage was made.
In Friday’s 9-3 loss to San Diego, SS Jack Wilson exited the game after the third inning with a right hamstring pull. It was initially believed that Wilson injured his leg while running around the bases, scoring from first base off a triple by Ichiro. Manager Don Wakamatsu affirmed that “he did not do it on the run. He actually did it (earlier) on a play at short where he planted and threw it,” as reported by MyNorthwest.com.
Wilson was expected to be evaluated over the weekend, but no reports have risen yet concerning the injury. For those of you that have the MLB Network, the channel will be airing tonight’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers at 4:00pm this afternoon, although the game is subject to blackout in certain areas.
Reach Jacob Kehle at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
